Farewell Shoe Box Covering

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After 5 years of covering shoe boxes the group from Wesley Uniting Church had their final box covering session earlier this month. However do not despair we believe the group may reconvene at a different location next year … watch this space.

I would like to thank Shirley and Alan Crapp, Herb Heath and Jeff Karms who have been the stalwarts of the group from the very beginning. We estimate we would have covered in excess of 8,000 boxes during that time. Thanks also to all those who joined us over the years whether for one visit or many, it has been a wonderful time and, of course, we can always catch up at processing!!

Shoe Boxes in the ACT Legislative Assembly

The Canberra Launch replicated the success of the Wagga Wagga launch. We called on the services of our youngest Member of the Legislative Assembly to launch OCC. Alistair Coe, Member for Ginninderra did a fantastic job of pointing out the reason that OCC stands out above many charities.

• It is personal and tangible in days when we are often in “charity overload”
• The opportunity to give children hope through the gospel message
• The flow on effects with others sharing in the box and all it has to offer
• The idea that anyone can be involved
• The opportunity for Samaritan’s Purse to use the shoe box as a means of observing and meeting other needs such as clean water, HIV/AIDS education, building schools and vocational training
• The shoe box can be used by Pastors and Ministers in the receiving countries to do the work that God has called them to do when often they have no resources at all.

Alistair’s family have been participating since it’s inception in Canberra and he commended the work to all present and has taken it one step further and is introducing OCC to the ACT Legislative Assembly!!

Coming next: Box covering